For the time being, I am only offering virtual, online events through Skype or Zoom.
My events are suitable for KS2 children and suitable whether you are using Brightstorm or Wildspark as a basis for class work, a class reader, or if you’d simply like the children to connect with an author for a q&a or workshop.
Events can be for any group size from a small class to a large assembly. My fees are within Society of Authors guidance and are detailed below:
30 MINUTE Q & A EVENT
Q & A events can be for any group size and work best when pupils have pre-prepared questions. A thirty minute event is £100.
60 MINUTE PRESENTATION EVENT
Presentation events can be for larger groups or classes and include a talk on a chosen topic, and Q&A. Topics include:
Inspiration fo the Brightstorm adventures: Brightstorm and Darkwhispers and take-away tips for creating your own adventure/exploration stories
The inspiration for Wildspark and take-away tips for writing your own scientific/magical adventures
A sixty minute event is £200.
60 MINUTE WORKSHOP EVENT
Workshop events are suitable for an individual class. Example creative writing activities include:
Creating your own fantasy map world
A sixty minute workshop event is £200.
I am happy to sign and send personalised bookplates for schools hosting events and link with local booksellers fo book sales..
If you would like to discuss or book an event, please use the contact form below to get in touch.
“Vashti surpassed all expectations when she opened our new Library. She took time to get a feel for us as a school and give a genuine and authentic presentation for the children and parents. Her teaching experience was clear, as she caught children’s attention immediately and took them on a creative journey, where they learnt that ‘imagination is their superpower’. We cannot thank you enough, Vashti!”
School & Festival Events
(Suitable for ages 7 - 12)
Author Talk
The author talk covers the childhood inspirations behind becoming a lover of fantasy story worlds and the journey to author. I'll introduce the students to the stories of WILDSPARK and BRIGHTSTORM and includes some inspirational inventors and explorers in history, and how when you create a world you can challenge gender stereotypes. During the talk, we'll see how whole worlds can spring from asking one big 'what if?' question, and I'll share some of my writing tips for children, including how much of the writing process includes other creative activities such as map making, soundtracks and using images.
Wildspark & Brightstorm Creative Writing Workshops
Vashti offers creative writing workshops which are focused on empowering all the children to believe in themselves as storytellers and devised to enable participants to discover the power of storytelling and build confidence, especially in those children who don't see themselves as being 'good' at writing.
FAntasy map worldbuilding Workshop (helpful for story planning skills and making everyone feel they can access writing)
Introduction to Brightstorm/Wildspark and a little about how I started writing and what sparked the story idea. I’ll show the children the original maps I drew for Brightstorm/Wildspark and demonstrate how maps can be used to help plan a story with an example from Brightstorm.
Children draw their own fantasy maps for a journey imagining a fantasy setting not yet discovered by humans…
We’ll be thinking about what creatures they might met on the way, the natural dangers, the change of climate etc.
Teacher CPD or Writing Based Workshops for Adults
Events suitable for teachers or emerging writers of children's fiction are also possible, as well as events specific to developing teachers' confidence in teaching creative writing and increasing their skillset. Please contact Vashti for details.
FEES
I charge fees in line with the standard Society of Author’s rates.
CONTACT
If you would like to invite me to an event in your school, library, festivals and INSET days, please get in touch via the form below or email info@vashtihardy.com, or to take part in a festival then please contact Harriet Dunlea at Scholastic hdunlea@scholastic.co.uk